When the school year ends, nearly 21 million kids who receive free and reduced price lunches lose access to this critical daily need. Hunger hinders children’s ability to think critically, build strong relationships or behave positively. They simply can’t focus. Children without access to nutritious meals and snacks are less likely to reach their full potential and are at risk of falling behind their peers. The upcoming summer months are a crucial time for the community to help close the hunger gap and ensure all children have the sustenance to stay active, alert and creative.

The Y recognizes this need in our community and has partnered with North Penn School District the last 3 years to provide snacks and lunches for kids who attend summer camp at our Lansdale branch. All meals are nutritionally balanced according to USDA nutritional standards and have been kid tested in our own community for acceptance. Our fun meals are kid friendly and we have daily vegetarian options.

North Penn School District also has 4 mobile sites in the North Penn community to bridge the hunger gap, open to all children from age 1 through 18 from June 20, 2016 to August 19, 2016. Their locations are:

• Hatfield Community Park, 1950 School Road, Hatfield | 11:00 – 11:30 am
• Oak Park Elementary School, 500 Squirrel Lane, Lansdale | 11:45 am -12:15 pm
• Knapp Elementary School, 698 Knapp Road, Lansdale | 12:30 – 1:00 pm
• York Ave Elementary School, 700 York Road, Lansdale | 1:15 – 1:45 pm.